Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested one suspect and are still searching for at least five others in connection with the killing of four people and the attempted murder of one person at Nyezane area in Estcourt on Sunday afternoon, 27 October 2024.
Information available at this stage suggests that six suspects, who had concealed their faces with face masks and carrying rifles and handguns, entered a homestead where there was a traditional ceremony and opened fire at the people who were enjoying the festivities.
Three victims died at the scene and two were rushed to a medical facility where one later succumbed to injuries. The deceased victims are aged 45,57,60 and 61 years old.
Swift intelligence-driven investigations by Amangwe police detectives led them to a hospital where a 28-year-old suspect was arrested. The suspect had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and a broken arm from the crime scene and was taken to hospital by his accomplices. It is yet to be established if he was hit by a friendly fire or someone else retaliated at the crime scene.
The motive of the killings remains a matter of police investigations, however there is a suspicion that the incident could be stock theft related because the deceased persons were members of the Community Anti-Stock Theft Group.
The arrested suspect will appear in court when he has recovered and ready to face trial. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the remaining suspects is urged to contact the nearest police station or call the crime stop number 08600 10111.